JoCo special elections see big wins, unofficial results show. What’s coming
Three measures that went before more than 130,000 Johnson County voters appear set to pass after a special election on Tuesday.
Olathe and De Soto public schools approached their voters with multimillion-dollar, no-tax rate increase bond proposals, and the city of Edgerton proposed a 1% sales tax to help fund stormwater and street improvement projects.
While all jurisdictions are anticipating victories for their subsequent proposals, each saw low voter turnout for Tuesday’s election.
In the Olathe school district, there are 105,385 registered voters, according to preliminary election results, but only 24,320 voters cast their ballots — representing about 23% of total voters mailing or casting their vote, according to preliminary election results.
Similarly, De Soto public schools saw about 24% of its total registered voters cast their ballots — with 6,528 people voting out of the district’s 27,221 registered voters. Edgerton, a small community with only 1,055 registered voters, saw 187 ballots cast — a 17.7% voter turnout.
The Johnson County Election Office did not immediately provide comment .
Olathe anticipates consolidation can begin
With 63% of voters who cast their ballot supporting the measure, Olathe Public Schools anticipates that it can move forward with issuing its $389 million bond to fund building maintenance, upgrade technology, improve athletic facilities and playgrounds, and consolidate some of its schools.
“We are incredibly thankful to our Olathe Public Schools community who has once again supported our district through the endorsement of a bond election,” Olathe Schools Superintendent Brent Yeager said in a statement. “For decades, our community has stood behind our schools by supporting past bond initiatives, and we thank you for continuing your investment in high quality schools.”
The No-Tax Rate Increase 2026 Bond is structured to not directly increase taxes for voters. However, with its approval this week, voters gave up a projected reduction of taxes in the future to keep the current tax rate for longer.
Regarding consolidation, the district proposes combining Fairview and Northview elementary schools into a newly constructed school at the current Northview location.
Similarly, Central and Ridgeview elementary schools would use the funds to combine into a newly constructed building at the Central site, and the funds would help completely rebuild Meadow Lane Elementary.
Meadow Lane’s current school building, operating since 1953, faces frequent leaks, plumbing and electrical problems, according to Principal Casey Welch.
Now that the bond has been approved, the district will soon begin requests for proposals for projects. A specific timeline for the elementary school consolidations funded by the bond has not yet been determined, a spokesperson said.
However, other consolidation projects, separate from the bond, are in the works this year, beginning with a task force evaluating student enrollment beginning in April.
In October, the Board of Education will vote on recommendations for which schools to close.
While consolidation has been a major focus of the district as it faces declining enrollment, district officials emphasized that the funds “will touch every school and building.”
“We know that strong public schools build strong communities and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead with the support of these bond funds,” Yeager said.
Supporting growth in De Soto schools
Preliminary results show a little over 4,000 people supported De Soto Public School’s $99 million bond. With only 2,454 people voting against it, De Soto anticipates that it can move forward with the bond to help fund its anticipated growth in the coming years.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to learn about the proposal, participate in the election, and show their commitment to the future of our schools in USD 232,” De Soto Public Schools Superintendent Cory Gibson said in a statement. “Bond 2026 is a meaningful investment in our priorities to enhance safety, expand opportunities, and improve facilities across the district.”
Specifically, the bond will help fund new special education spaces, early childhood education classrooms, safety upgrades, career and technical education expansions and additions to elementary and middle schools.
“It also supports renovated arts spaces for orchestra and middle school additions that address current needs, plan for future growth, and provide storm shelter areas,” Gibson said.
Like Olathe, the bond is structured to not increase taxes for voters.
“We have an outstanding school district because of each member of our community — families, staff, students, and neighbors — who work together to support public education,” Gibson said.
“Your involvement reflects a shared commitment to our mission of preparing all students for their future through excellent, innovative learning opportunities with caring, dedicated, and passionate staff in a safe and secure environment.”
Edgerton’s infrastructure improvements
With 98 people voting yes and 89 people voting no, preliminary election results show that Edgerton can move forward with its 1% sales tax to fund road repairs and stormwater improvements.
Dubbed the Stormwater and Streets tax, Edgerton anticipates using the dollars generated to help address drainage problems and safety issues on the roads that would otherwise not be funded.
“I’m so thankful to everyone that took the time to vote,” Edgerton Mayor Donald Roberts said in a statement. “I am excited to work with (the) City Council to get started prioritizing Stormwater and Streets projects needed in our community.”
The 10-year tax would allocate 1 cent per every dollar of a purchase in city limits — translating to about 30 cents for a $30 meal. Edgerton anticipates that it could collect approximately $7 million in revenue over its lifetime.
While each jurisdiction anticipates victory, the Johnson County Election Office is still tallying votes. The office anticipates that the votes will be certified by the Board of Canvassers on March 10.
